Super Fitness uses workout energy to save energy

In an effort to save energy, Super Fitness installed the SportsArt Fitness Green System. The system consists of a group of cardio machines attached to an inverter that harnesses energy generated by the person using them. The energy generated by the user’s exercise then powers the gym’s televisions, lights, ceiling fans and more.

“It’s something that is slowly ramping up,” said SportsArt national account manager Ken Hanks. “Now the time is right. These ellipticals, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, it’s a part of any club. You’re going to buy them regardless, why not get a benefit out of

it for everyone involved?”

Super Fitness owner Ron Hemelgarn said the machines cost the gym a little more money, but the payback is worth it.

The Green System is part of an established line of eco-friendly fitness products offered by SportsArt Fitness, an industry leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality cardiovascular and strength equipment for more than 35 years. The Green System devices installed at the Toledo location include ellipticals, recumbent cycles and upright cycles.

The Toledo location, 343 Newtowne Square Drive, is one of the first to install the new equipment.

Hemelgarn appeared at an unveiling of the new machines Sept. 19 to explain the benefits.

“I’ve been dealing with SportsArt for 20 years maybe,” Hemelgarn said. “The idea of capturing energy, as long as I’ve been in the business, has been there.”

In one hour, the green system can generate up to 2,000 watts of power, according to a SportsArt fact sheet. Such wattage can power a ceiling fan (65 watts) for 30 hours or a 27-inch flat-screen television (117 watts) for 17 hours. The fact sheet also noted such wattage would power a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner (1,200 watts) for almost two hours, a microwave oven (750 watts) for two and a half hours.

The system also saves the gym money, Hemelgarn said.

“We do so many things to save energy and lower costs,” Hemelgarn said. “It’s a win-win-win situation. … I study this a lot; I have a really good engineering mind and I look at things and I want to make it better. I work at it every day. I pay attention. And I’m always looking ahead.”